diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 4df7eec35..e3224ff2f 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -64,6 +64,7 @@ Invoke them by name (e.g., `/office-hours`).
 | `/benchmark` | Performance regression detection (page load, Core Web Vitals). |
 | `/benchmark-models` | Cross-model benchmark for skills (Claude, GPT, Gemini side-by-side). |
 | `/cso` | OWASP Top 10 + STRIDE security audit. |
+| `/setup-search-mcp` | Optional free Search MCP setup for Search Before Building. |
 | `/setup-gbrain` | Set up gbrain for cross-machine session memory sync. |
 | `/sync-gbrain` | Keep gbrain current with this repo's code; refresh agent search guidance in CLAUDE.md. |
 
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index af534d2c5..4c5b1f233 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ Fork it. Improve it. Make it yours. And if you want to hate on free open source
 
 Open Claude Code and paste this. Claude does the rest.
 
-> Install gstack: run **`git clone --single-branch --depth 1 https://github.com/garrytan/gstack.git ~/.claude/skills/gstack && cd ~/.claude/skills/gstack && ./setup`** then add a "gstack" section to CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, and lists the available skills: /office-hours, /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /plan-design-review, /design-consultation, /design-shotgun, /design-html, /review, /ship, /land-and-deploy, /canary, /benchmark, /browse, /connect-chrome, /qa, /qa-only, /design-review, /setup-browser-cookies, /setup-deploy, /setup-gbrain, /retro, /investigate, /document-release, /document-generate, /codex, /cso, /autoplan, /plan-devex-review, /devex-review, /careful, /freeze, /guard, /unfreeze, /gstack-upgrade, /learn. Then ask the user if they also want to add gstack to the current project so teammates get it.
+> Install gstack: run **`git clone --single-branch --depth 1 https://github.com/garrytan/gstack.git ~/.claude/skills/gstack && cd ~/.claude/skills/gstack && ./setup`** then add a "gstack" section to CLAUDE.md that says to use the /browse skill from gstack for all web browsing, never use mcp\_\_claude-in-chrome\_\_\* tools, and lists the available skills: /office-hours, /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /plan-design-review, /design-consultation, /design-shotgun, /design-html, /review, /ship, /land-and-deploy, /canary, /benchmark, /browse, /connect-chrome, /qa, /qa-only, /design-review, /setup-browser-cookies, /setup-deploy, /setup-search-mcp, /setup-gbrain, /retro, /investigate, /document-release, /document-generate, /codex, /cso, /autoplan, /plan-devex-review, /devex-review, /careful, /freeze, /guard, /unfreeze, /gstack-upgrade, /learn. Then ask the user if they also want to add gstack to the current project so teammates get it.
 
 ### Step 2: Team mode — auto-update for shared repos (recommended)
 
@@ -229,6 +229,7 @@ Each skill feeds into the next. `/office-hours` writes a design doc that `/plan-
 | `/unfreeze` | **Unlock** — remove the `/freeze` boundary. |
 | `/open-gstack-browser` | **GStack Browser** — launch GStack Browser with sidebar, anti-bot stealth, auto model routing (Sonnet for actions, Opus for analysis), one-click cookie import, and Claude Code integration. Clean up pages, take smart screenshots, edit CSS, and pass info back to your terminal. |
 | `/setup-deploy` | **Deploy Configurator** — one-time setup for `/land-and-deploy`. Detects your platform, production URL, and deploy commands. |
+| `/setup-search-mcp` | **Search MCP Setup** — free web search for agents. Adds Parallel Search MCP on supported hosts; no account or API key by default. |
 | `/setup-gbrain` | **GBrain Onboarding** — from zero to running gbrain in under 5 minutes. PGLite local, Supabase existing URL, or auto-provision a new Supabase project via Management API. MCP registration for Claude Code + per-repo trust triad (read-write/read-only/deny). [Full guide](USING_GBRAIN_WITH_GSTACK.md). |
 | `/sync-gbrain` | **Keep Brain Current** — re-index this repo's code into gbrain via `gbrain sources add` + `gbrain sync --strategy code`, refresh the `## GBrain Search Guidance` block in CLAUDE.md, and auto-remove guidance when the capability check fails. `--incremental` (default), `--full`, `--dry-run`. Idempotent; safe to re-run. |
 | `/gstack-upgrade` | **Self-Updater** — upgrade gstack to latest. Detects global vs vendored install, syncs both, shows what changed. |
@@ -481,7 +482,7 @@ Use /browse from gstack for all web browsing. Never use mcp__claude-in-chrome__*
 Available skills: /office-hours, /plan-ceo-review, /plan-eng-review, /plan-design-review,
 /design-consultation, /design-shotgun, /design-html, /review, /ship, /land-and-deploy,
 /canary, /benchmark, /browse, /open-gstack-browser, /qa, /qa-only, /design-review,
-/setup-browser-cookies, /setup-deploy, /setup-gbrain, /sync-gbrain, /retro, /investigate,
+/setup-browser-cookies, /setup-deploy, /setup-search-mcp, /setup-gbrain, /sync-gbrain, /retro, /investigate,
 /document-release, /document-generate, /codex, /cso, /autoplan, /pair-agent, /careful, /freeze,
 /guard, /unfreeze, /gstack-upgrade, /learn.
 ```
diff --git a/SKILL.md b/SKILL.md
index aaa5612dd..bc19bebe7 100644
--- a/SKILL.md
+++ b/SKILL.md
@@ -573,6 +573,7 @@ quality gates that produce better results than answering inline.
 - User asks to ship, deploy, push, create a PR, "let's land this", "send it" → invoke `/ship`
 - User asks to merge + deploy + verify as one flow → invoke `/land-and-deploy`
 - User asks to configure deployment for the project → invoke `/setup-deploy`
+- User asks to set up search, install web search MCP, connect Parallel Search MCP, or make Search Before Building work → invoke `/setup-search-mcp`
 - User asks to monitor prod after shipping, post-deploy checks → invoke `/canary`
 - User asks to update docs after shipping → invoke `/document-release`
 - User asks to write docs from scratch, generate documentation, "document this feature/module" → invoke `/document-generate`
diff --git a/SKILL.md.tmpl b/SKILL.md.tmpl
index 402bd0d7b..c39896c06 100644
--- a/SKILL.md.tmpl
+++ b/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ quality gates that produce better results than answering inline.
 - User asks to ship, deploy, push, create a PR, "let's land this", "send it" → invoke `/ship`
 - User asks to merge + deploy + verify as one flow → invoke `/land-and-deploy`
 - User asks to configure deployment for the project → invoke `/setup-deploy`
+- User asks to set up search, install web search MCP, connect Parallel Search MCP, or make Search Before Building work → invoke `/setup-search-mcp`
 - User asks to monitor prod after shipping, post-deploy checks → invoke `/canary`
 - User asks to update docs after shipping → invoke `/document-release`
 - User asks to write docs from scratch, generate documentation, "document this feature/module" → invoke `/document-generate`
diff --git a/docs/skills.md b/docs/skills.md
index 8e8cb7adc..1b989ca78 100644
--- a/docs/skills.md
+++ b/docs/skills.md
@@ -44,6 +44,7 @@ Detailed guides for every gstack skill — philosophy, workflow, and examples.
 | **Multi-AI** | | |
 | [`/codex`](#codex) | **Second Opinion** | Independent review from OpenAI Codex CLI. Three modes: code review (pass/fail gate), adversarial challenge, and open consultation with session continuity. Cross-model analysis when both `/review` and `/codex` have run. |
 | [`/pair-agent`](#pair-agent) | **Remote Agent Bridge** | Pair a remote AI agent (OpenClaw, Codex, Cursor, Hermes) with your browser. Scoped tunnel, locked allowlist, session token. |
+| [`/setup-search-mcp`](#setup-search-mcp) | **Search MCP Setup** | Free web search for agents. No account or API key by default. |
 | [`/setup-gbrain`](#setup-gbrain) | **Memory Sync** | Set up gbrain for cross-machine session memory sync. One command from zero to live. |
 | [`/sync-gbrain`](#sync-gbrain) | **Keep Brain Current** | Refresh gbrain against this repo's code; teach the agent when to use `gbrain search`/`code-def` over Grep. Idempotent; safe to re-run. |
 | | | |
@@ -923,6 +924,25 @@ Claude: Imported 12 cookies for github.com from Comet.
 
 ---
 
+## `/setup-search-mcp`
+
+This sets up free web search for agents through Parallel Search MCP. It gives
+gstack's Search Before Building workflow a no-key path to public web search and
+clean markdown from public URLs.
+
+```
+You:   /setup-search-mcp
+
+Claude: Configured Parallel Search MCP for Claude Code.
+        Default setup is free and no-auth.
+        Restart Claude Code if the new MCP tools are not visible yet.
+```
+
+Use Search MCP for public web search. Use `/browse` for authenticated flows,
+screenshots, clicks, visual QA, and stateful browser work.
+
+---
+
 ## `/autoplan`
 
 This is my **review autopilot mode**.
diff --git a/gstack/llms.txt b/gstack/llms.txt
index efe522f90..7de329b11 100644
--- a/gstack/llms.txt
+++ b/gstack/llms.txt
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ Conventions:
 - [/setup-browser-cookies](setup-browser-cookies/SKILL.md): Import cookies from your real Chromium browser into the headless browse session.
 - [/setup-deploy](setup-deploy/SKILL.md): Configure deployment settings for /land-and-deploy.
 - [/setup-gbrain](setup-gbrain/SKILL.md): Set up gbrain for this coding agent: install the CLI, initialize a local PGLite or Supabase brain, register MCP, capture per-remote trust policy.
+- [/setup-search-mcp](setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md): Set up free web search for agents in gstack's Search Before Building workflow.
 - [/ship](ship/SKILL.md): Ship workflow: detect + merge base branch, run tests, review diff, bump VERSION, update CHANGELOG, commit, push, create PR.
 - [/skillify](skillify/SKILL.md): Codify the most recent successful /scrape flow into a permanent browser-skill on disk.
 - [/spec](spec/SKILL.md): Turn vague intent into a precise, executable spec in five phases.
diff --git a/scripts/proactive-suggestions.json b/scripts/proactive-suggestions.json
index d08c60853..40a4b4626 100644
--- a/scripts/proactive-suggestions.json
+++ b/scripts/proactive-suggestions.json
@@ -248,6 +248,11 @@
       "routing": "One command from zero to \"gbrain is running, and this agent\ncan call it.\" Use when: \"setup gbrain\", \"connect gbrain\", \"start\ngbrain\", \"install gbrain\", \"configure gbrain for this machine\".",
       "voice_line": null
     },
+    "setup-search-mcp": {
+      "lead": "Set up free web search for agents in gstack's Search Before Building workflow.",
+      "routing": "Adds Parallel Search MCP with no account or API key by default.\nUse when: \"setup search\", \"install search mcp\", \"connect Parallel Search MCP\",\n\"free web search\", \"agent web search\", \"make Search Before Building work\".",
+      "voice_line": null
+    },
     "ship": {
       "lead": "Ship workflow: detect + merge base branch, run tests, review diff, bump VERSION, update CHANGELOG, commit, push, create PR.",
       "routing": "Use when asked to \"ship\", \"deploy\",\n\"push to main\", \"create a PR\", \"merge and push\", or \"get it deployed\".\nProactively invoke this skill (do NOT push/PR directly) when the user says code\nis ready, asks about deploying, wants to push code up, or asks to create a PR.",
diff --git a/scripts/skill-check.ts b/scripts/skill-check.ts
index 9182737ee..5e135aac5 100644
--- a/scripts/skill-check.ts
+++ b/scripts/skill-check.ts
@@ -13,9 +13,11 @@ import { discoverTemplates, discoverSkillFiles } from './discover-skills';
 import * as fs from 'fs';
 import * as path from 'path';
 import { execSync } from 'child_process';
+import { ALL_HOST_CONFIGS, getExternalHosts, getHostConfig } from '../hosts/index';
 
 const ROOT = path.resolve(import.meta.dir, '..');
 const ROOT_REALPATH = fs.realpathSync(ROOT);
+const CLAUDE_SKIPPED_SKILLS = new Set(getHostConfig('claude').generation.skipSkills ?? []);
 
 function isRepoRootSymlink(candidateDir: string): boolean {
   try {
@@ -73,6 +75,11 @@ for (const { tmpl, output } of TEMPLATES) {
     continue;
   }
   if (!fs.existsSync(outPath)) {
+    const skillDir = path.dirname(tmpl);
+    if (CLAUDE_SKIPPED_SKILLS.has(skillDir)) {
+      console.log(`  -  ${output.padEnd(30)} — Claude-host generation skipped by host config`);
+      continue;
+    }
     hasErrors = true;
     console.log(`  \u274c ${output.padEnd(30)} — generated file missing! Run: bun run gen:skill-docs`);
     continue;
@@ -90,8 +97,6 @@ for (const file of SKILL_FILES) {
 
 // ─── External Host Skills (config-driven) ───────────────────
 
-import { getExternalHosts } from '../hosts/index';
-
 for (const hostConfig of getExternalHosts()) {
   const hostDir = path.join(ROOT, hostConfig.hostSubdir, 'skills');
   if (fs.existsSync(hostDir)) {
@@ -130,8 +135,6 @@ for (const hostConfig of getExternalHosts()) {
 
 // ─── Freshness (config-driven) ──────────────────────────────
 
-import { ALL_HOST_CONFIGS } from '../hosts/index';
-
 for (const hostConfig of ALL_HOST_CONFIGS) {
   const hostFlag = hostConfig.name === 'claude' ? '' : ` --host ${hostConfig.name}`;
   console.log(`\n  Freshness (${hostConfig.displayName}):`);
diff --git a/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md b/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c08481d04
--- /dev/null
+++ b/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md
@@ -0,0 +1,612 @@
+---
+name: setup-search-mcp
+preamble-tier: 1
+version: 1.0.0
+description: Set up free web search for agents in gstack's Search Before Building workflow. (gstack)
+triggers:
+  - setup search
+  - install search mcp
+  - connect parallel search mcp
+  - free web search
+  - free search mcp
+  - agent web search
+  - search before building setup
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+<!-- AUTO-GENERATED from SKILL.md.tmpl — do not edit directly -->
+<!-- Regenerate: bun run gen:skill-docs -->
+
+
+## When to invoke this skill
+
+Adds Parallel Search MCP with no account or API key by default.
+Use when: "setup search", "install search mcp", "connect Parallel Search MCP",
+"free web search", "agent web search", "make Search Before Building work".
+
+## Preamble (run first)
+
+```bash
+_UPD=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || .claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-update-check 2>/dev/null || true)
+[ -n "$_UPD" ] && echo "$_UPD" || true
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/sessions
+touch ~/.gstack/sessions/"$PPID"
+_SESSIONS=$(find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin -120 -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -l | tr -d ' ')
+find ~/.gstack/sessions -mmin +120 -type f -exec rm {} + 2>/dev/null || true
+_PROACTIVE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get proactive 2>/dev/null || echo "true")
+_PROACTIVE_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
+_BRANCH=$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo "unknown")
+echo "BRANCH: $_BRANCH"
+_SKILL_PREFIX=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get skill_prefix 2>/dev/null || echo "false")
+echo "PROACTIVE: $_PROACTIVE"
+echo "PROACTIVE_PROMPTED: $_PROACTIVE_PROMPTED"
+echo "SKILL_PREFIX: $_SKILL_PREFIX"
+source <(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-repo-mode 2>/dev/null) || true
+REPO_MODE=${REPO_MODE:-unknown}
+echo "REPO_MODE: $REPO_MODE"
+_SESSION_KIND=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-session-kind 2>/dev/null || echo "interactive")
+case "$_SESSION_KIND" in spawned|headless|interactive) ;; *) _SESSION_KIND="interactive" ;; esac
+echo "SESSION_KIND: $_SESSION_KIND"
+# Conductor host: AskUserQuestion is unreliable here (native disabled, MCP
+# variant flaky), so skills render decisions as prose instead of calling the
+# tool. Gated on !headless so an eval/CI run INSIDE Conductor (GSTACK_HEADLESS)
+# still BLOCKs rather than rendering prose to nobody.
+if [ "$_SESSION_KIND" != "headless" ] && { [ -n "${CONDUCTOR_WORKSPACE_PATH:-}" ] || [ -n "${CONDUCTOR_PORT:-}" ]; }; then
+  echo "CONDUCTOR_SESSION: true"
+fi
+_ACTIVATED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.activated ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
+_FIRST_LOOP_SHOWN=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.first-loop-tip-shown ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
+echo "ACTIVATED: $_ACTIVATED"
+echo "FIRST_LOOP_SHOWN: $_FIRST_LOOP_SHOWN"
+# First-run project detection: run the detector ONLY on the first-ever skill run
+# (ACTIVATED=no, interactive) so it stays off the hot path for every run after.
+_FIRST_TASK=""
+if [ "$_ACTIVATED" = "no" ] && [ "$_SESSION_KIND" != "headless" ]; then
+  _FIRST_TASK=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-first-task-detect 2>/dev/null || true)
+fi
+echo "FIRST_TASK: $_FIRST_TASK"
+_LAKE_SEEN=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.completeness-intro-seen ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
+echo "LAKE_INTRO: $_LAKE_SEEN"
+_TEL=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get telemetry 2>/dev/null || true)
+_TEL_PROMPTED=$([ -f ~/.gstack/.telemetry-prompted ] && echo "yes" || echo "no")
+_TEL_START=$(date +%s)
+_SESSION_ID="$$-$(date +%s)"
+echo "TELEMETRY: ${_TEL:-off}"
+echo "TEL_PROMPTED: $_TEL_PROMPTED"
+_EXPLAIN_LEVEL=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get explain_level 2>/dev/null || echo "default")
+if [ "$_EXPLAIN_LEVEL" != "default" ] && [ "$_EXPLAIN_LEVEL" != "terse" ]; then _EXPLAIN_LEVEL="default"; fi
+echo "EXPLAIN_LEVEL: $_EXPLAIN_LEVEL"
+_QUESTION_TUNING=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get question_tuning 2>/dev/null || echo "false")
+echo "QUESTION_TUNING: $_QUESTION_TUNING"
+mkdir -p ~/.gstack/analytics
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+echo '{"skill":"setup-search-mcp","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'","repo":"'$(_repo=$(basename "$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null | tr -cd 'a-zA-Z0-9._-'); echo "${_repo:-unknown}")'"}'  >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
+for _PF in $(find ~/.gstack/analytics -maxdepth 1 -name '.pending-*' 2>/dev/null); do
+  if [ -f "$_PF" ]; then
+    if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x "~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log" ]; then
+      ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type skill_run --skill _pending_finalize --outcome unknown --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
+    fi
+    rm -f "$_PF" 2>/dev/null || true
+  fi
+  break
+done
+eval "$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-slug 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || true
+_LEARN_FILE="${GSTACK_HOME:-$HOME/.gstack}/projects/${SLUG:-unknown}/learnings.jsonl"
+if [ -f "$_LEARN_FILE" ]; then
+  _LEARN_COUNT=$(wc -l < "$_LEARN_FILE" 2>/dev/null | tr -d ' ')
+  echo "LEARNINGS: $_LEARN_COUNT entries loaded"
+  if [ "$_LEARN_COUNT" -gt 5 ] 2>/dev/null; then
+    ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-learnings-search --limit 3 2>/dev/null || true
+  fi
+else
+  echo "LEARNINGS: 0"
+fi
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-timeline-log '{"skill":"setup-search-mcp","event":"started","branch":"'"$_BRANCH"'","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'"}' 2>/dev/null &
+_HAS_ROUTING="no"
+if [ -f CLAUDE.md ] && grep -q "## Skill routing" CLAUDE.md 2>/dev/null; then
+  _HAS_ROUTING="yes"
+fi
+_ROUTING_DECLINED=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get routing_declined 2>/dev/null || echo "false")
+echo "HAS_ROUTING: $_HAS_ROUTING"
+echo "ROUTING_DECLINED: $_ROUTING_DECLINED"
+_VENDORED="no"
+if [ -d ".claude/skills/gstack" ] && [ ! -L ".claude/skills/gstack" ]; then
+  if [ -f ".claude/skills/gstack/VERSION" ] || [ -d ".claude/skills/gstack/.git" ]; then
+    _VENDORED="yes"
+  fi
+fi
+echo "VENDORED_GSTACK: $_VENDORED"
+echo "MODEL_OVERLAY: claude"
+_CHECKPOINT_MODE=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get checkpoint_mode 2>/dev/null || echo "explicit")
+_CHECKPOINT_PUSH=$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config get checkpoint_push 2>/dev/null || echo "false")
+echo "CHECKPOINT_MODE: $_CHECKPOINT_MODE"
+echo "CHECKPOINT_PUSH: $_CHECKPOINT_PUSH"
+# Plan-mode hint for skills like /spec that branch behavior on plan-mode state.
+# Claude Code exposes plan mode via system reminders; we detect best-effort
+# from CLAUDE_PLAN_FILE (set by the harness when plan mode is active) and
+# fall back to "inactive". Codex hosts and Claude execution mode both end up
+# inactive, which is the safe default (defaults to file+execute pipeline).
+if [ -n "${CLAUDE_PLAN_FILE:-}${GSTACK_PLAN_MODE_FORCE:-}" ]; then
+  export GSTACK_PLAN_MODE="active"
+elif [ "${GSTACK_PLAN_MODE:-}" = "active" ]; then
+  export GSTACK_PLAN_MODE="active"
+else
+  export GSTACK_PLAN_MODE="inactive"
+fi
+echo "GSTACK_PLAN_MODE: $GSTACK_PLAN_MODE"
+[ -n "$OPENCLAW_SESSION" ] && echo "SPAWNED_SESSION: true" || true
+```
+
+## Plan Mode Safe Operations
+
+In plan mode, allowed because they inform the plan: `$B`, `$D`, `codex exec`/`codex review`, writes to `~/.gstack/`, writes to the plan file, and `open` for generated artifacts.
+
+## Skill Invocation During Plan Mode
+
+If the user invokes a skill in plan mode, the skill takes precedence over generic plan mode behavior. **Treat the skill file as executable instructions, not reference.** Follow it step by step starting from Step 0; the first AskUserQuestion is the workflow entering plan mode, not a violation of it. AskUserQuestion (any variant — `mcp__*__AskUserQuestion` or native; see "AskUserQuestion Format → Tool resolution") satisfies plan mode's end-of-turn requirement. If AskUserQuestion is unavailable or a call fails, follow the AskUserQuestion Format failure fallback: `headless` → BLOCKED; `interactive` → the prose fallback (also satisfies end-of-turn). At a STOP point, stop immediately. Do not continue the workflow or call ExitPlanMode there. Commands marked "PLAN MODE EXCEPTION — ALWAYS RUN" execute. Call ExitPlanMode only after the skill workflow completes, or if the user tells you to cancel the skill or leave plan mode.
+
+If `PROACTIVE` is `"false"`, do not auto-invoke or proactively suggest skills. If a skill seems useful, ask: "I think /skillname might help here — want me to run it?"
+
+If `SKILL_PREFIX` is `"true"`, suggest/invoke `/gstack-*` names. Disk paths stay `~/.claude/skills/gstack/[skill-name]/SKILL.md`.
+
+If output shows `UPGRADE_AVAILABLE <old> <new>`: read `~/.claude/skills/gstack/gstack-upgrade/SKILL.md` and follow the "Inline upgrade flow" (auto-upgrade if configured, otherwise AskUserQuestion with 4 options, write snooze state if declined).
+
+If output shows `JUST_UPGRADED <from> <to>`: print "Running gstack v{to} (just updated!)". If `SPAWNED_SESSION` is true, skip feature discovery.
+
+Feature discovery, max one prompt per session:
+- Missing `~/.claude/skills/gstack/.feature-prompted-continuous-checkpoint`: AskUserQuestion for Continuous checkpoint auto-commits. If accepted, run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set checkpoint_mode continuous`. Always touch marker.
+- Missing `~/.claude/skills/gstack/.feature-prompted-model-overlay`: inform "Model overlays are active. MODEL_OVERLAY shows the patch." Always touch marker.
+
+After upgrade prompts, continue workflow.
+
+If `WRITING_STYLE_PENDING` is `yes`: ask once about writing style:
+
+> v1 prompts are simpler: first-use jargon glosses, outcome-framed questions, shorter prose. Keep default or restore terse?
+
+Options:
+- A) Keep the new default (recommended — good writing helps everyone)
+- B) Restore V0 prose — set `explain_level: terse`
+
+If A: leave `explain_level` unset (defaults to `default`).
+If B: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set explain_level terse`.
+
+Always run (regardless of choice):
+```bash
+rm -f ~/.gstack/.writing-style-prompt-pending
+touch ~/.gstack/.writing-style-prompted
+```
+
+Skip if `WRITING_STYLE_PENDING` is `no`.
+
+If `LAKE_INTRO` is `no`: say "gstack follows the **Boil the Ocean** principle — do the complete thing when AI makes marginal cost near-zero. Read more: https://garryslist.org/posts/boil-the-ocean" Offer to open:
+
+```bash
+open https://garryslist.org/posts/boil-the-ocean
+touch ~/.gstack/.completeness-intro-seen
+```
+
+Only run `open` if yes. Always run `touch`.
+
+If `TEL_PROMPTED` is `no` AND `LAKE_INTRO` is `yes`: ask telemetry once via AskUserQuestion:
+
+> Help gstack get better. Share usage data only: skill, duration, crashes, stable device ID. No code or file paths. Your repo name is recorded locally only and stripped before any upload.
+
+Options:
+- A) Help gstack get better! (recommended)
+- B) No thanks
+
+If A: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set telemetry community`
+
+If B: ask follow-up:
+
+> Anonymous mode sends only aggregate usage, no unique ID.
+
+Options:
+- A) Sure, anonymous is fine
+- B) No thanks, fully off
+
+If B→A: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set telemetry anonymous`
+If B→B: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set telemetry off`
+
+Always run:
+```bash
+touch ~/.gstack/.telemetry-prompted
+```
+
+Skip if `TEL_PROMPTED` is `yes`.
+
+If `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `no` AND `TEL_PROMPTED` is `yes`: ask once:
+
+> Let gstack proactively suggest skills, like /qa for "does this work?" or /investigate for bugs?
+
+Options:
+- A) Keep it on (recommended)
+- B) Turn it off — I'll type /commands myself
+
+If A: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set proactive true`
+If B: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set proactive false`
+
+Always run:
+```bash
+touch ~/.gstack/.proactive-prompted
+```
+
+Skip if `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`.
+
+## First-run guidance (one-time)
+
+If `ACTIVATED` is `no` (first skill run on this machine) AND the preamble printed a non-empty `FIRST_TASK:` value that is NOT `nongit`: show ONE short, project-specific line mapped from the token, as a heads-up, then CONTINUE with whatever the user actually asked — do NOT halt their task. Map the token: `greenfield` → "Fresh repo — shape it first with `/spec` or `/office-hours`." `code_node`/`code_python`/`code_rust`/`code_go`/`code_ruby`/`code_ios` → "There's code here — `/qa` to see it work, or `/investigate` if something's off." `branch_ahead` → "Unshipped work on this branch — `/review` then `/ship`." `dirty_default` → "Uncommitted changes — `/review` before committing." `clean_default` → "Pick one: `/spec`, `/investigate`, or `/qa`." Then substitute the token you saw for TASK_TOKEN and run (best-effort), and mark activated:
+```bash
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log --event-type first_task_scaffold_shown --skill "TASK_TOKEN" --outcome shown 2>/dev/null || true
+touch ~/.gstack/.activated 2>/dev/null || true
+```
+
+If `ACTIVATED` is `no` but `FIRST_TASK:` is empty or `nongit` (headless, non-git, or nothing actionable): show nothing, just run `touch ~/.gstack/.activated 2>/dev/null || true`.
+
+Else if `ACTIVATED` is `yes` AND `FIRST_LOOP_SHOWN` is `no`: say once as a heads-up (then continue):
+
+> Tip: gstack pays off when you complete one loop — **plan → review → ship**. A common first loop: `/office-hours` or `/spec` to shape it, `/plan-eng-review` to lock it, then `/ship`.
+
+Then run `touch ~/.gstack/.first-loop-tip-shown 2>/dev/null || true`.
+
+Skip this section if `ACTIVATED` and `FIRST_LOOP_SHOWN` are both `yes`.
+
+If `HAS_ROUTING` is `no` AND `ROUTING_DECLINED` is `false` AND `PROACTIVE_PROMPTED` is `yes`:
+Check if a CLAUDE.md file exists in the project root. If it does not exist, create it.
+
+Use AskUserQuestion:
+
+> gstack works best when your project's CLAUDE.md includes skill routing rules.
+
+Options:
+- A) Add routing rules to CLAUDE.md (recommended)
+- B) No thanks, I'll invoke skills manually
+
+If A: Append this section to the end of CLAUDE.md:
+
+```markdown
+
+## Skill routing
+
+When the user's request matches an available skill, invoke it via the Skill tool. When in doubt, invoke the skill.
+
+Key routing rules:
+- Product ideas/brainstorming → invoke /office-hours
+- Strategy/scope → invoke /plan-ceo-review
+- Architecture → invoke /plan-eng-review
+- Design system/plan review → invoke /design-consultation or /plan-design-review
+- Full review pipeline → invoke /autoplan
+- Bugs/errors → invoke /investigate
+- QA/testing site behavior → invoke /qa or /qa-only
+- Code review/diff check → invoke /review
+- Visual polish → invoke /design-review
+- Ship/deploy/PR → invoke /ship or /land-and-deploy
+- Save progress → invoke /context-save
+- Resume context → invoke /context-restore
+- Author a backlog-ready spec/issue → invoke /spec
+```
+
+Then commit the change: `git add CLAUDE.md && git commit -m "chore: add gstack skill routing rules to CLAUDE.md"`
+
+If B: run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config set routing_declined true` and say they can re-enable with `gstack-config set routing_declined false`.
+
+This only happens once per project. Skip if `HAS_ROUTING` is `yes` or `ROUTING_DECLINED` is `true`.
+
+If `VENDORED_GSTACK` is `yes`, warn once via AskUserQuestion unless `~/.gstack/.vendoring-warned-$SLUG` exists:
+
+> This project has gstack vendored in `.claude/skills/gstack/`. Vendoring is deprecated.
+> Migrate to team mode?
+
+Options:
+- A) Yes, migrate to team mode now
+- B) No, I'll handle it myself
+
+If A:
+1. Run `git rm -r .claude/skills/gstack/`
+2. Run `echo '.claude/skills/gstack/' >> .gitignore`
+3. Run `~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-team-init required` (or `optional`)
+4. Run `git add .claude/ .gitignore CLAUDE.md && git commit -m "chore: migrate gstack from vendored to team mode"`
+5. Tell the user: "Done. Each developer now runs: `cd ~/.claude/skills/gstack && ./setup --team`"
+
+If B: say "OK, you're on your own to keep the vendored copy up to date."
+
+Always run (regardless of choice):
+```bash
+eval "$(~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-slug 2>/dev/null)" 2>/dev/null || true
+touch ~/.gstack/.vendoring-warned-${SLUG:-unknown}
+```
+
+If marker exists, skip.
+
+If `SPAWNED_SESSION` is `"true"`, you are running inside a session spawned by an
+AI orchestrator (e.g., OpenClaw). In spawned sessions:
+- Do NOT use AskUserQuestion for interactive prompts. Auto-choose the recommended option.
+- Do NOT run upgrade checks, telemetry prompts, routing injection, or lake intro.
+- Focus on completing the task and reporting results via prose output.
+- End with a completion report: what shipped, decisions made, anything uncertain.
+
+## Artifacts Sync (skill start)
+
+```bash
+_GSTACK_HOME="${GSTACK_HOME:-$HOME/.gstack}"
+# Prefer the v1.27.0.0 artifacts file; fall back to brain file for users
+# upgrading mid-stream before the migration script runs.
+if [ -f "$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt" ]; then
+  _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-artifacts-remote.txt"
+else
+  _BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE="$HOME/.gstack-brain-remote.txt"
+fi
+_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync"
+_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN="~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-config"
+
+# /sync-gbrain context-load: teach the agent to use gbrain when it's available.
+# Per-worktree pin: post-spike redesign uses kubectl-style `.gbrain-source` in the
+# git toplevel to scope queries. Look for the pin in the worktree (not a global
+# state file) so that opening worktree B without a pin doesn't claim "indexed"
+# just because worktree A was synced. Empty string when gbrain is not
+# configured (zero context cost for non-gbrain users).
+_GBRAIN_CONFIG="$HOME/.gbrain/config.json"
+if [ -f "$_GBRAIN_CONFIG" ] && command -v gbrain >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  _GBRAIN_VERSION_OK=$(gbrain --version 2>/dev/null | grep -c '^gbrain ' || echo 0)
+  if [ "$_GBRAIN_VERSION_OK" -gt 0 ] 2>/dev/null; then
+    _GBRAIN_PIN_PATH=""
+    _REPO_TOP=$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel 2>/dev/null || echo "")
+    if [ -n "$_REPO_TOP" ] && [ -f "$_REPO_TOP/.gbrain-source" ]; then
+      _GBRAIN_PIN_PATH="$_REPO_TOP/.gbrain-source"
+    fi
+    if [ -n "$_GBRAIN_PIN_PATH" ]; then
+      echo "GBrain configured. Prefer \`gbrain search\`/\`gbrain query\` over Grep for"
+      echo "semantic questions; use \`gbrain code-def\`/\`code-refs\`/\`code-callers\` for"
+      echo "symbol-aware code lookup. See \"## GBrain Search Guidance\" in CLAUDE.md."
+      echo "Run /sync-gbrain to refresh."
+    else
+      echo "GBrain configured but this worktree isn't pinned yet. Run \`/sync-gbrain --full\`"
+      echo "before relying on \`gbrain search\` for code questions in this worktree."
+      echo "Falls back to Grep until pinned."
+    fi
+  fi
+fi
+
+_BRAIN_SYNC_MODE=$("$_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN" get artifacts_sync_mode 2>/dev/null || echo off)
+
+# Detect remote-MCP mode (Path 4 of /setup-gbrain). Local artifacts sync is
+# a no-op in remote mode; the brain server pulls from GitHub/GitLab on its
+# own cadence. Read claude.json directly to keep this preamble fast (no
+# subprocess to claude CLI on every skill start).
+_GBRAIN_MCP_MODE="none"
+if command -v jq >/dev/null 2>&1 && [ -f "$HOME/.claude.json" ]; then
+  _GBRAIN_MCP_TYPE=$(jq -r '.mcpServers.gbrain.type // .mcpServers.gbrain.transport // empty' "$HOME/.claude.json" 2>/dev/null)
+  case "$_GBRAIN_MCP_TYPE" in
+    url|http|sse) _GBRAIN_MCP_MODE="remote-http" ;;
+    stdio) _GBRAIN_MCP_MODE="local-stdio" ;;
+  esac
+fi
+
+if [ -f "$_BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE" ] && [ ! -d "$_GSTACK_HOME/.git" ] && [ "$_BRAIN_SYNC_MODE" = "off" ]; then
+  _BRAIN_NEW_URL=$(head -1 "$_BRAIN_REMOTE_FILE" 2>/dev/null | tr -d '[:space:]')
+  if [ -n "$_BRAIN_NEW_URL" ]; then
+    echo "ARTIFACTS_SYNC: artifacts repo detected: $_BRAIN_NEW_URL"
+    echo "ARTIFACTS_SYNC: run 'gstack-brain-restore' to pull your cross-machine artifacts (or 'gstack-config set artifacts_sync_mode off' to dismiss forever)"
+  fi
+fi
+
+if [ -d "$_GSTACK_HOME/.git" ] && [ "$_BRAIN_SYNC_MODE" != "off" ]; then
+  _BRAIN_LAST_PULL_FILE="$_GSTACK_HOME/.brain-last-pull"
+  _BRAIN_NOW=$(date +%s)
+  _BRAIN_DO_PULL=1
+  if [ -f "$_BRAIN_LAST_PULL_FILE" ]; then
+    _BRAIN_LAST=$(cat "$_BRAIN_LAST_PULL_FILE" 2>/dev/null || echo 0)
+    _BRAIN_AGE=$(( _BRAIN_NOW - _BRAIN_LAST ))
+    [ "$_BRAIN_AGE" -lt 86400 ] && _BRAIN_DO_PULL=0
+  fi
+  if [ "$_BRAIN_DO_PULL" = "1" ]; then
+    ( cd "$_GSTACK_HOME" && git fetch origin >/dev/null 2>&1 && git merge --ff-only "origin/$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)" >/dev/null 2>&1 ) || true
+    echo "$_BRAIN_NOW" > "$_BRAIN_LAST_PULL_FILE"
+  fi
+  "$_BRAIN_SYNC_BIN" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
+
+if [ "$_GBRAIN_MCP_MODE" = "remote-http" ]; then
+  # Remote-MCP mode: local artifacts sync is a no-op (brain admin's server
+  # pulls from GitHub/GitLab). Show the user this is by design, not broken.
+  _GBRAIN_HOST=$(jq -r '.mcpServers.gbrain.url // empty' "$HOME/.claude.json" 2>/dev/null | sed -E 's|^https?://([^/:]+).*|\1|')
+  echo "ARTIFACTS_SYNC: remote-mode (managed by brain server ${_GBRAIN_HOST:-remote})"
+elif [ -d "$_GSTACK_HOME/.git" ] && [ "$_BRAIN_SYNC_MODE" != "off" ]; then
+  _BRAIN_QUEUE_DEPTH=0
+  [ -f "$_GSTACK_HOME/.brain-queue.jsonl" ] && _BRAIN_QUEUE_DEPTH=$(wc -l < "$_GSTACK_HOME/.brain-queue.jsonl" | tr -d ' ')
+  _BRAIN_LAST_PUSH="never"
+  [ -f "$_GSTACK_HOME/.brain-last-push" ] && _BRAIN_LAST_PUSH=$(cat "$_GSTACK_HOME/.brain-last-push" 2>/dev/null || echo never)
+  echo "ARTIFACTS_SYNC: mode=$_BRAIN_SYNC_MODE | last_push=$_BRAIN_LAST_PUSH | queue=$_BRAIN_QUEUE_DEPTH"
+else
+  echo "ARTIFACTS_SYNC: off"
+fi
+```
+
+
+
+Privacy stop-gate: if output shows `ARTIFACTS_SYNC: off`, `artifacts_sync_mode_prompted` is `false`, and gbrain is on PATH or `gbrain doctor --fast --json` works, ask once:
+
+> gstack can publish your artifacts (CEO plans, designs, reports) to a private GitHub repo that GBrain indexes across machines. How much should sync?
+
+Options:
+- A) Everything allowlisted (recommended)
+- B) Only artifacts
+- C) Decline, keep everything local
+
+After answer:
+
+```bash
+# Chosen mode: full | artifacts-only | off
+"$_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN" set artifacts_sync_mode <choice>
+"$_BRAIN_CONFIG_BIN" set artifacts_sync_mode_prompted true
+```
+
+If A/B and `~/.gstack/.git` is missing, ask whether to run `gstack-artifacts-init`. Do not block the skill.
+
+At skill END before telemetry:
+
+```bash
+"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --discover-new 2>/dev/null || true
+"~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-brain-sync" --once 2>/dev/null || true
+```
+
+
+## Model-Specific Behavioral Patch (claude)
+
+The following nudges are tuned for the claude model family. They are
+**subordinate** to skill workflow, STOP points, AskUserQuestion gates, plan-mode
+safety, and /ship review gates. If a nudge below conflicts with skill instructions,
+the skill wins. Treat these as preferences, not rules.
+
+**Todo-list discipline.** When working through a multi-step plan, mark each task
+complete individually as you finish it. Do not batch-complete at the end. If a task
+turns out to be unnecessary, mark it skipped with a one-line reason.
+
+**Think before heavy actions.** For complex operations (refactors, migrations,
+non-trivial new features), briefly state your approach before executing. This lets
+the user course-correct cheaply instead of mid-flight.
+
+**Dedicated tools over Bash.** Prefer Read, Edit, Write, Glob, Grep over shell
+equivalents (cat, sed, find, grep). The dedicated tools are cheaper and clearer.
+
+## Voice
+
+Direct, concrete, builder-to-builder. Name the file, function, command, and user-visible impact. No filler.
+
+No em dashes. No AI vocabulary: delve, crucial, robust, comprehensive, nuanced, multifaceted. Never corporate or academic. Short paragraphs. End with what to do.
+
+The user has context you do not. Cross-model agreement is a recommendation, not a decision. The user decides.
+
+## Completion Status Protocol
+
+When completing a skill workflow, report status using one of:
+- **DONE** — completed with evidence.
+- **DONE_WITH_CONCERNS** — completed, but list concerns.
+- **BLOCKED** — cannot proceed; state blocker and what was tried.
+- **NEEDS_CONTEXT** — missing info; state exactly what is needed.
+
+Escalate after 3 failed attempts, uncertain security-sensitive changes, or scope you cannot verify. Format: `STATUS`, `REASON`, `ATTEMPTED`, `RECOMMENDATION`.
+
+## Operational Self-Improvement
+
+Before completing, if you discovered a durable project quirk or command fix that would save 5+ minutes next time, log it:
+
+```bash
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-learnings-log '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","type":"operational","key":"SHORT_KEY","insight":"DESCRIPTION","confidence":N,"source":"observed"}'
+```
+
+Do not log obvious facts or one-time transient errors.
+
+## Telemetry (run last)
+
+After workflow completion, log telemetry. Use skill `name:` from frontmatter. OUTCOME is success/error/abort/unknown.
+
+**PLAN MODE EXCEPTION — ALWAYS RUN:** This command writes telemetry to
+`~/.gstack/analytics/`, matching preamble analytics writes.
+
+Run this bash:
+
+```bash
+_TEL_END=$(date +%s)
+_TEL_DUR=$(( _TEL_END - _TEL_START ))
+rm -f ~/.gstack/analytics/.pending-"$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null || true
+# Session timeline: record skill completion (local-only, never sent anywhere)
+~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-timeline-log '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","event":"completed","branch":"'$(git branch --show-current 2>/dev/null || echo unknown)'","outcome":"OUTCOME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'"}' 2>/dev/null || true
+# Local analytics (gated on telemetry setting)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ]; then
+echo '{"skill":"SKILL_NAME","duration_s":"'"$_TEL_DUR"'","outcome":"OUTCOME","browse":"USED_BROWSE","session":"'"$_SESSION_ID"'","ts":"'$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)'"}' >> ~/.gstack/analytics/skill-usage.jsonl 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
+# Remote telemetry (opt-in, requires binary)
+if [ "$_TEL" != "off" ] && [ -x ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log ]; then
+  ~/.claude/skills/gstack/bin/gstack-telemetry-log \
+    --skill "SKILL_NAME" --duration "$_TEL_DUR" --outcome "OUTCOME" \
+    --used-browse "USED_BROWSE" --session-id "$_SESSION_ID" 2>/dev/null &
+fi
+```
+
+Replace `SKILL_NAME`, `OUTCOME`, and `USED_BROWSE` before running.
+
+## Plan Status Footer
+
+Skills that run plan reviews (`/plan-*-review`, `/codex review`) include the EXIT PLAN MODE GATE blocking checklist at the end of the skill, which verifies the plan file ends with `## GSTACK REVIEW REPORT` before ExitPlanMode is called. Skills that don't run plan reviews (operational skills like `/ship`, `/qa`, `/review`) typically don't operate in plan mode and have no review report to verify; this footer is a no-op for them. Writing the plan file is the one edit allowed in plan mode.
+
+# /setup-search-mcp — Free Web Search for Agents
+
+Set up Parallel Search MCP so agents working through Search Before Building get
+free web search. The default setup is free and no-auth: no account, no API key,
+no OAuth.
+
+This is not browser automation. Keep `/browse` and `/open-gstack-browser` for
+authenticated pages, screenshots, clicks, visual QA, and stateful browser work.
+Use Search MCP for public web search and clean markdown from public URLs.
+
+## User-invocable
+
+When the user types `/setup-search-mcp`, run this skill.
+
+## Rules
+
+- Prefer the current agent host. If this session is Claude Code, configure
+  Claude Code. If this session is Codex, configure Codex.
+- Do not install into a different client just because its CLI exists.
+- Do not edit private config files for unknown hosts. Print the manual MCP
+  values instead.
+- Do not configure API-key auth or OAuth unless the user explicitly asks for
+  higher rate limits. If they do, use AskUserQuestion to ask whether they want
+  API-key auth or OAuth before printing or running auth-specific commands.
+
+## MCP Values
+
+- Server URL: `https://search.parallel.ai/mcp`
+- Transport: Streamable HTTP
+- Authentication: none by default
+- Expected tools after restart: `web_search`, `web_fetch`
+- OAuth URL, only if the user opts in: `https://search.parallel.ai/mcp-oauth`
+
+## Claude Code Setup
+
+Use this path only when the current agent host is Claude Code:
+
+```bash
+claude mcp remove -s user "Parallel-Search-MCP" 2>/dev/null || true
+claude mcp remove "Parallel-Search-MCP" 2>/dev/null || true
+claude mcp add --scope user --transport http "Parallel-Search-MCP" https://search.parallel.ai/mcp
+claude mcp list
+```
+
+Then tell the user to restart Claude Code if the new MCP tools are not visible
+in the current session. After restart, Claude-style tool names usually appear as
+`mcp__Parallel-Search-MCP__web_search` and
+`mcp__Parallel-Search-MCP__web_fetch`.
+
+## Codex Setup
+
+Use this path only when the current agent host is Codex:
+
+```bash
+codex mcp remove parallel-search 2>/dev/null || true
+codex mcp add parallel-search --url https://search.parallel.ai/mcp
+codex mcp list --json
+```
+
+Then tell the user to restart Codex if the new MCP tools are not visible in the
+current session.
+
+## Manual Setup
+
+For any other MCP-capable host, do not guess at the config file. Give the user
+the MCP values above and ask them to add the server through that host's normal
+MCP settings. Tell them the host may need a restart before `web_search` and
+`web_fetch` appear.
+
+## Report
+
+After setup, report:
+
+- Which host path you used.
+- That the default setup is free and no-auth.
+- Whether the host command listed the server.
+- Whether the current agent session must be restarted before the new tools are
+  available.
diff --git a/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md.tmpl b/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md.tmpl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..dbf75d0c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/setup-search-mcp/SKILL.md.tmpl
@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+name: setup-search-mcp
+preamble-tier: 1
+version: 1.0.0
+description: |
+  Set up free web search for agents in gstack's Search Before Building workflow.
+  Adds Parallel Search MCP with no account or API key by default.
+  Use when: "setup search", "install search mcp", "connect Parallel Search MCP",
+  "free web search", "agent web search", "make Search Before Building work". (gstack)
+triggers:
+  - setup search
+  - install search mcp
+  - connect parallel search mcp
+  - free web search
+  - free search mcp
+  - agent web search
+  - search before building setup
+allowed-tools:
+  - Bash
+  - AskUserQuestion
+---
+
+{{PREAMBLE}}
+
+# /setup-search-mcp — Free Web Search for Agents
+
+Set up Parallel Search MCP so agents working through Search Before Building get
+free web search. The default setup is free and no-auth: no account, no API key,
+no OAuth.
+
+This is not browser automation. Keep `/browse` and `/open-gstack-browser` for
+authenticated pages, screenshots, clicks, visual QA, and stateful browser work.
+Use Search MCP for public web search and clean markdown from public URLs.
+
+## User-invocable
+
+When the user types `/setup-search-mcp`, run this skill.
+
+## Rules
+
+- Prefer the current agent host. If this session is Claude Code, configure
+  Claude Code. If this session is Codex, configure Codex.
+- Do not install into a different client just because its CLI exists.
+- Do not edit private config files for unknown hosts. Print the manual MCP
+  values instead.
+- Do not configure API-key auth or OAuth unless the user explicitly asks for
+  higher rate limits. If they do, use AskUserQuestion to ask whether they want
+  API-key auth or OAuth before printing or running auth-specific commands.
+
+## MCP Values
+
+- Server URL: `https://search.parallel.ai/mcp`
+- Transport: Streamable HTTP
+- Authentication: none by default
+- Expected tools after restart: `web_search`, `web_fetch`
+- OAuth URL, only if the user opts in: `https://search.parallel.ai/mcp-oauth`
+
+## Claude Code Setup
+
+Use this path only when the current agent host is Claude Code:
+
+```bash
+claude mcp remove -s user "Parallel-Search-MCP" 2>/dev/null || true
+claude mcp remove "Parallel-Search-MCP" 2>/dev/null || true
+claude mcp add --scope user --transport http "Parallel-Search-MCP" https://search.parallel.ai/mcp
+claude mcp list
+```
+
+Then tell the user to restart Claude Code if the new MCP tools are not visible
+in the current session. After restart, Claude-style tool names usually appear as
+`mcp__Parallel-Search-MCP__web_search` and
+`mcp__Parallel-Search-MCP__web_fetch`.
+
+## Codex Setup
+
+Use this path only when the current agent host is Codex:
+
+```bash
+codex mcp remove parallel-search 2>/dev/null || true
+codex mcp add parallel-search --url https://search.parallel.ai/mcp
+codex mcp list --json
+```
+
+Then tell the user to restart Codex if the new MCP tools are not visible in the
+current session.
+
+## Manual Setup
+
+For any other MCP-capable host, do not guess at the config file. Give the user
+the MCP values above and ask them to add the server through that host's normal
+MCP settings. Tell them the host may need a restart before `web_search` and
+`web_fetch` appear.
+
+## Report
+
+After setup, report:
+
+- Which host path you used.
+- That the default setup is free and no-auth.
+- Whether the host command listed the server.
+- Whether the current agent session must be restarted before the new tools are
+  available.
diff --git a/test/setup-search-mcp-structure.test.ts b/test/setup-search-mcp-structure.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..da080e815
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/setup-search-mcp-structure.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+import { describe, test, expect } from 'bun:test';
+import * as fs from 'fs';
+import * as path from 'path';
+
+const ROOT = path.resolve(import.meta.dir, '..');
+const TMPL = fs.readFileSync(path.join(ROOT, 'setup-search-mcp', 'SKILL.md.tmpl'), 'utf-8');
+
+describe('setup-search-mcp structural contract', () => {
+  test('defaults to free no-auth setup', () => {
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('free web search for agents');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('no account, no API key');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('no OAuth');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('Authentication: none by default');
+    expect(TMPL).not.toContain('Authorization: Bearer');
+  });
+
+  test('uses exact supported host commands', () => {
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('claude mcp add --scope user --transport http "Parallel-Search-MCP" https://search.parallel.ai/mcp');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('codex mcp add parallel-search --url https://search.parallel.ai/mcp');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('claude mcp list');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('codex mcp list --json');
+  });
+
+  test('does not guess unknown host config files', () => {
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('Do not install into a different client just because its CLI exists');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('do not guess at the config file');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('Expected tools after restart: `web_search`, `web_fetch`');
+  });
+
+  test('keeps auth and browser automation boundaries explicit', () => {
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('AskUserQuestion');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('API-key auth or OAuth');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('This is not browser automation');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('/browse');
+    expect(TMPL).toContain('/open-gstack-browser');
+  });
+
+  test('does not depend on the removed verifier helper', () => {
+    expect(TMPL).not.toContain('gstack-search-mcp-verify');
+  });
+});
diff --git a/test/skill-coverage-matrix.ts b/test/skill-coverage-matrix.ts
index 7359afbce..fc38a5f2a 100644
--- a/test/skill-coverage-matrix.ts
+++ b/test/skill-coverage-matrix.ts
@@ -159,6 +159,11 @@ export const SKILL_COVERAGE: Record<string, SkillCoverage> = {
   'context-restore': { gate: ['test/skill-e2e-context-skills.test.ts', 'test/skill-coverage-floor.test.ts'], periodic: [] },
   'setup-deploy': { gate: ['test/skill-coverage-floor.test.ts'], periodic: [] },
   'setup-browser-cookies': { gate: ['test/skill-coverage-floor.test.ts'], periodic: [] },
+  'setup-search-mcp': {
+    gate: ['test/setup-search-mcp-structure.test.ts', 'test/skill-coverage-floor.test.ts'],
+    periodic: [],
+    rationale: 'Search MCP setup has deterministic structural coverage for no-auth defaults, supported host commands, and manual-host guidance.',
+  },
   'setup-gbrain': {
     gate: [
       'test/skill-e2e-setup-gbrain-bad-token.test.ts',